Burns

Robert Burns

Burns House, 1803

Period:

19th Century

Description:

An early pencil drawing by John Wilson of Robert Burns' last home in Dumfries.

It was in this ordinary sandstone house in a quiet back street of Dumfries that Robert Burns spent the last three years of his life. The family moved into the house in May 1793. The house had a parlour, kitchen, two bedrooms and even a small study where Burns could write. It was well furnished with a carpet and a long case clock in the parlour.

Robert Burns died in the bedroom of this house in 1796 but his widow, Jean Armour Burns continued to live in the house until her own death in 1834. The house was purchased in 1851 by their son, Colonel William Nicol Burns and throughout the 19th Century it became a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts from around the world.

This drawing was made in 1803, only seven year's after the poet's death and whilst his family were still living in the house. One of a pair showing the street in either direction, it is probably the earliest image of Robert Burns' last home.